Reforming the Civil Service

Sir, – The malaise at the heart of the Civil Service long predates the structural changes listed by Edel Foley (July 5th).

The reality in the private sector is that consistently poor performance cannot be afforded by the employer and will lead to dismissal. It is actually this ultimate sanction that makes performance appraisal systems work.

But in the Civil Service it seems underperformers have to be afforded because dismissal is not an option. So we end up with the kind of fudge described by Eddie Molloy ("Accountability needs brickbat of punishment", Opinion & Analysis, July 4th). – Yours, etc,

JOHN POWER,

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The Maples,

Bettystown,

Co Meath.